Iran Women's Team Silent in Anthem, Lose 3-0 to South Korea

GOLD COAST, Australia — Iran's women's national football team stood in silence during their national anthem before losing 3-0 to South Korea in the opening match of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup on Monday, a gesture that unfolded amid national mourning following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a major attack by Israel and the United States over the weekend.

The match at Gold Coast Stadium highlighted the team's resilience despite the heavy backdrop. Players, led by captain Zahra Ghanbari, remained somber as the anthem played, though some offered brief smiles to acknowledge a small group of supporters waving red, white, and green flags. Head coach Marziyeh Jafari had earlier declined to address the military strikes or Khamenei's death during a pre-match news conference, emphasizing focus on the tournament. "In Iran, we had players that were playing in the league, and they were prepared by the league competitions," Jafari said through a translator. "After that, we joined together at two or three training camps, and then we came to Australia."

On the field, South Korea dominated, building on their runner-up finish at the 2022 Women's Asian Cup. Choe Yuri...